The router guide - what to look for and what is best.

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › The router guide - what to look for and what is best.

1 | ... | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | ... | 34

1603 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 686

ID Verified

Trusted

#2374327 12-Dec-2019 16:13

nzkc:

Hey @michaelmurfy

FYI: A lot of the links on the first post that link off to gowifi.co.nz are now getting 404.

Ta!

Sorry, jumping on the tail-end of that since I was in here looking at suggestions; I would suggest removing the GWN7000 as a recommendation for now.

Regardless of whether the speed is actually fully utilised, it is still being pitched as a gigabit router when it is not capable of it currently. And Grandstream has offered no explanation for it or shown any intention to fix it at this point.

In a completely unrelated point, I am once again trying to retire the venerable FritzBox 7490. The feckin thing is just so robust, its easier said than done though. WiFi is currently being handled by 2 x GWN7600 APs (one in use, the other is slowly making its way out of its box), so I just need a straight no-BS gigabit router to sit between the ONT and a switch (also incoming). I would prefer a nice web UI for the 80% admin stuff because I am lazy, with a step-down into CL if I need to get down in the mud.

So far, I am looking at the default recommendation of Ubitquiti's line-up, ERL, or the upgrade pick to ER4. I want an ER4 because I like to spend more money than I actually need to, but I imagine an ERL will do the job just fine. Also looked at MikroTik, but I must admit I'm a little wary, as they don't seem to be as polished as a Ubitquiti product.

Any other names I should be looking at?

timbosan

2199 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 294

Subscriber

#2374345 12-Dec-2019 16:36

ShinyChrome:

nzkc:

Hey @michaelmurfy

FYI: A lot of the links on the first post that link off to gowifi.co.nz are now getting 404.

Ta!

Sorry, jumping on the tail-end of that since I was in here looking at suggestions; I would suggest removing the GWN7000 as a recommendation for now.

Regardless of whether the speed is actually fully utilised, it is still being pitched as a gigabit router when it is not capable of it currently. And Grandstream has offered no explanation for it or shown any intention to fix it at this point.

In a completely unrelated point, I am once again trying to retire the venerable FritzBox 7490. The feckin thing is just so robust, its easier said than done though. WiFi is currently being handled by 2 x GWN7600 APs (one in use, the other is slowly making its way out of its box), so I just need a straight no-BS gigabit router to sit between the ONT and a switch (also incoming). I would prefer a nice web UI for the 80% admin stuff because I am lazy, with a step-down into CL if I need to get down in the mud.

So far, I am looking at the default recommendation of Ubitquiti's line-up, ERL, or the upgrade pick to ER4. I want an ER4 because I like to spend more money than I actually need to, but I imagine an ERL will do the job just fine. Also looked at MikroTik, but I must admit I'm a little wary, as they don't seem to be as polished as a Ubitquiti product.

Any other names I should be looking at?

If you don't mind a DYI approach, and have a spare PC, Untangle is good. I have run it for years. It can be free, or you can pay $50 / year for the 'home' license which gives more features. Nice 'single pane' view and has more features than UniFi. There is also pfsense, but I have never tried that.

https://www.untangle.com/untangle-ng-firewall/untangle-at-home/

If your running GB UFB just make to get a dual-port NIC (or 2 singles) that are both gigabit capable :-)

ShinyChrome

1603 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 686

ID Verified

Trusted

#2374396 12-Dec-2019 18:18

timbosan: If you don't mind a DYI approach, and have a spare PC, Untangle is good. I have run it for years. It can be free, or you can pay $50 / year for the 'home' license which gives more features. Nice 'single pane' view and has more features than UniFi. There is also pfsense, but I have never tried that.

https://www.untangle.com/untangle-ng-firewall/untangle-at-home/

If your running GB UFB just make to get a dual-port NIC (or 2 singles) that are both gigabit capable :-)

I would love to go DIY, but as I don't have any gear to repurpose (already thinking about turning my 4 year old desktop build into an unraid server haha), the cost works out quite a bit higher than a COTS router. I looked at getting something like a NUC, but to get one with dual port NIC seems to be at least twice the price of an ER4. Plus the power consumption was considerably more last time I specced it out, but that is probably not true anymore.

ShinyChrome

1603 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 686

ID Verified

Trusted

#2376327 16-Dec-2019 14:35

I have been thinking some more about just ditching my two Grandstream WAPs altogether and going back to my original plan of a UniFi stack (USG + UniFi PoE switch + nano HD AP). Does this still make sense in 2019/2020 for the price/features?

I definitely want separate router + switch + AP, but one of the reasons I originally wanted UniFi, and subsequently bought Grandstream gear, was the single pane of glass management.

cyril7

9075 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2499

ID Verified

Trusted

Subscriber

#2376331 16-Dec-2019 14:42

ShinyChrome:

snip.................but one of the reasons I originally wanted UniFi, and subsequently bought Grandstream gear, was the single pane of glass management.

Which you actually look at how often?, single pane of glass is a good idea, but the USG's are way too short on features from my point of view. When doing SME installs I prefer UniFi wireless, and having a single cloud controller to park many sites in is great, with Mikrotik routing. As for switching, only recently introduced a few UniFi switches, again a bit lacking in features for my liking, so will probably continue using either Cisco, HP or Dlink managed switches depending on budget

Cyril

aspett

126 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 47

#2376425 16-Dec-2019 16:46

ShinyChrome:

I have been thinking some more about just ditching my two Grandstream WAPs altogether and going back to my original plan of a UniFi stack (USG + UniFi PoE switch + nano HD AP). Does this still make sense in 2019/2020 for the price/features?

I definitely want separate router + switch + AP, but one of the reasons I originally wanted UniFi, and subsequently bought Grandstream gear, was the single pane of glass management.

I don't think buying the USG 3 is good future proofing anymore. It'll run a gigbit connection only if you disable DPI and IPS. If I was buying again, I'd be reconsidering which USG, or whether to get the UDM - especially with 2, 4, 8 gigabit connections coming in the not so far future.

Dyson

Shop now for Dyson appliances (affiliate link).

michaelmurfy

meow
13580 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10911

Moderator

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2376558 16-Dec-2019 19:37

aspett:

I don't think buying the USG 3 is good future proofing anymore. It'll run a gigbit connection only if you disable DPI and IPS. If I was buying again, I'd be reconsidering which USG, or whether to get the UDM - especially with 2, 4, 8 gigabit connections coming in the not so far future.

It runs on Gigabit totally fine with DPI enabled. IPS is a different beast requiring software and thus is limited to around 85Mbit throughput with this enabled.

Just wait for the dream machine.

Michael Murphy | https://murfy.nz
Referral Links: Quic Broadband (use R122101E7CV7Q for free setup)

Are you happy with what you get from Geekzone? Please consider supporting us by subscribing.
Opinions are my own and not the views of my employer.

ShinyChrome

1603 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 686

ID Verified

Trusted

#2376843 17-Dec-2019 10:50

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I guess I was just hoping for a single product stack = ease of integrating/administering/reporting on devices. Ideally I would like to setup multiple VLANs for segregating devices/multiple pi-holes, so thats probably the most advanced config I would need to do. So a nice web UI for reporting/traffic analysis, a spot of device administration. But if UX is at a dear cost of performance/functionality than I would consider a

Reading some feedback about the UniFi Switch 8 PoE, it looks like a Rasberry Pi 4 sort of situation with heat issues. Doesn't look like models above it have the same thermal issues, but they get real pricey real fast. Doesn't seem to be much in the 8 port PoE managed switch variety around.

The UDM looks great, even if it seems to be a little bit away from prime-time looking at r/Ubiquiti. While its spot on for routing power, I'm not crazy about an all-in-one. Apart from lacking the modularity to upgrade bits as needed, the optimal location for an AP is not the optimal location for everything else. I would prefer to have AP(s) ceiling mounted and the rest of the gear hidden away. It kinda seems like a waste of money to buy a UDM to only use as a gateway though.

The USG does seem a bit long in the tooth, no doubt about that. I would hope though that they are intending to refresh the USG lineup with the UDM router hardware, right? How valuable is the IPS/IDS as it is implemented in the USG lineup though, speed issues aside?

aspett

126 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 47

#2376870 17-Dec-2019 11:46

michaelmurfy:

It runs on Gigabit totally fine with DPI enabled. IPS is a different beast requiring software and thus is limited to around 85Mbit throughput with this enabled.

Just wait for the dream machine.

Oops. Meant to say IDS/IPS. Dream machines are out in NZ now. I think PBTech had some stock a couple weeks ago.

ShinyChrome:

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I guess I was just hoping for a single product stack = ease of integrating/administering/reporting on devices. Ideally I would like to setup multiple VLANs for segregating devices/multiple pi-holes, so thats probably the most advanced config I would need to do. So a nice web UI for reporting/traffic analysis, a spot of device administration. But if UX is at a dear cost of performance/functionality than I would consider a

Reading some feedback about the UniFi Switch 8 PoE, it looks like a Rasberry Pi 4 sort of situation with heat issues. Doesn't look like models above it have the same thermal issues, but they get real pricey real fast. Doesn't seem to be much in the 8 port PoE managed switch variety around.

The UDM looks great, even if it seems to be a little bit away from prime-time looking at r/Ubiquiti. While its spot on for routing power, I'm not crazy about an all-in-one. Apart from lacking the modularity to upgrade bits as needed, the optimal location for an AP is not the optimal location for everything else. I would prefer to have AP(s) ceiling mounted and the rest of the gear hidden away. It kinda seems like a waste of money to buy a UDM to only use as a gateway though.

The USG does seem a bit long in the tooth, no doubt about that. I would hope though that they are intending to refresh the USG lineup with the UDM router hardware, right? How valuable is the IPS/IDS as it is implemented in the USG lineup though, speed issues aside?

I've not had any issues with the US-8-150W with regards to heat, but I have given it a lot of open space.

Everyone is hopeful for a USG refresh.. but uh, it remains to be seen.

JaBZ

407 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 41

#2376975 17-Dec-2019 12:44

ShinyChrome:

.....

The UDM looks great, even if it seems to be a little bit away from prime-time looking at r/Ubiquiti. While its spot on for routing power, I'm not crazy about an all-in-one. Apart from lacking the modularity to upgrade bits as needed, the optimal location for an AP is not the optimal location for everything else. I would prefer to have AP(s) ceiling mounted and the rest of the gear hidden away. It kinda seems like a waste of money to buy a UDM to only use as a gateway though.

The USG does seem a bit long in the tooth, no doubt about that. I would hope though that they are intending to refresh the USG lineup with the UDM router hardware, right? How valuable is the IPS/IDS as it is implemented in the USG lineup though, speed issues aside?

aspett:

I've not had any issues with the US-8-150W with regards to heat, but I have given it a lot of open space.

Everyone is hopeful for a USG refresh.. but uh, it remains to be seen.

The UDM Pro has been out via early access for a few months, hoping its not long till release.

https://store.ui.com/collections/early-access/products/udm-pro-beta

My opinions and ideas expressed in posts are solely my own and do not reflect the views of my employer in any way..

Tinkerisk

4798 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3660

#2379711 21-Dec-2019 21:17

GWN7630LR (300m long range coverage) and GWN7602 (small, local applications) are in the release pipe next. The first one is on my list for the outdoor garden/public AP.

BTW: the AP has now an implememented DFS management since one of the last s/w updates. :-)

- NET: FTTH & VDSL, OPNsense, 10G backbone, GWN APs
- SRV: 12 RU HA server cluster, 0.1 PB storage on premise
- IoT: thread, zigbee, tasmota, BidCoS, LoRa, WX suite, IR
- 3D: two 3D printers, 3D scanner, CNC router, laser cutter

Geekzone support

Support Geekzone with one-off or recurring donations Donate via PressPatron.

michaelmurfy

meow
13580 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10911

Moderator

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2385019 4-Jan-2020 15:54

I've added the Spark Smart Modem to the list (Link) as a great home router.

Pros:
- A much larger device limit than the HG659 meaning even the biggest of households won't run into limitations.
- Mesh system is very simple to setup and provides seamless coverage across the house.
- Can route Gigabit absolutely no problems (test done on a PPPoE CG-NAT connection provided by my Edgerouter and server on the other end of the NAT).
- Has per-device parental controls built right in with scheduling along with WiFi scheduling.
- Built in Guest Network capabilities.
- Supports IPv6.

This is a very basic router with only "what is needed" for an average home user. It is not an advanced router by any means. I was very impressed I was able to plug this straight into my test network (a simulated Spark UFB connection run by my Edgerouter) and be up and running. By default, it comes with a random wireless password like "AdmiredWeaver84EE" along with a card stored on the router itself making it easy for new devices to be connected to WiFi by your less tech-inclined people.

The mesh node was easy to add - first by connecting to the main router by Ethernet and waiting for the status light to change then I was free to install this in a location where it has good WiFi coverage to the main unit - you can also hardwire this to Ethernet provided you've got an Ethernet port at the location. The WiFi network from both the main unit and the mesh unit is the same meaning clients have a seamless handover between the two.

For your more basic, ISP provided solution I do rate this rather highly. The experience from opening the box to getting connected was very simple. The single status light on the router is actually a rather nice touch as it gives a clear indication if your internet is up or not.

This router does come with UPnP enabled by default which can be somewhat a blessing and a curse. The blessing is gamers who play online won't run into any issues however the curse comes from those connecting cheap cameras to their network since these cameras can automatically forward ports (which is quite a security risk). I think having this turned on by default is actually good for your average home user.

WiFi performance from across the house was at-least 200Mbit (topping off at about 600Mbit) - I do live in an area where there are a tonne of WiFi networks around. Coverage provided by the main router combined with the mesh unit was also great.

Thanks Spark (and @hio77) for allowing me to test out this router and mesh kit!

michaelmurfy

meow
13580 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10911

Moderator

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2401508 18-Jan-2020 21:01

Also added the Cambium cnPilot R195W - it reviewed well (read the review here) and passed all my tests. Very impressive little router!

Yabanize

2351 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 583

#2401891 19-Jan-2020 23:31

Not sure if you had a chance to try the Vodafone Ultra Hub with the latest firmware, it has good Wifi (can get over 600mb/s like you did with the Spark one) although doesn't have beam forming. It's also been quite reliable for us (Haven't needed to reboot). Handled lots of extra devices streaming over the holiday period fine, and they can also be found cheaply on trademe/Facebook marketplace etc

michaelmurfy

meow
13580 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10911

Moderator

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2401904 20-Jan-2020 00:54

Yabanize:

Not sure if you had a chance to try the Vodafone Ultra Hub with the latest firmware, it has good Wifi (can get over 600mb/s like you did with the Spark one) although doesn't have beam forming. It's also been quite reliable for us (Haven't needed to reboot). Handled lots of extra devices streaming over the holiday period fine, and they can also be found cheaply on trademe/Facebook marketplace etc

Vodafone have not provided me one as a test - everything on the list is either from personal experience, or a company has asked me to test. I may reach out to Vodafone to ask if they're willing to provide me one.

1 | ... | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | ... | 34